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House Approves Legislation to Enhance Education Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. | May 8, 2014 -

The House of Representatives today approved the Strengthening Education through Research Act (H.R. 4366) with bipartisan support. Introduced by Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Chairman Todd Rokita (R-IN) and Ranking Member Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the bill reauthorizes the Education Sciences Reform Act and makes it easier for states and school districts to access timely information on successful education practices.

“Teachers and school leaders need quality research to identify the best ways to raise student achievement, and families need information as they evaluate their education options,” said Rep. Rokita. “The Strengthening Education through Research Act will improve education research and help ensure more schools and students can benefit from effective educational practices. The legislation will also take steps to protect taxpayers by streamlining the education research system and improving program accountability. I am pleased this responsible bill received bipartisan support in the House and look forward to its consideration in the Senate.”

As approved by the House, the Strengthening Education through Research Act will:

Enhance the relevancy of education research at the state and local levels, helping teachers, students, parents, and policymakers access more useful information about successful education practices.

Streamline the federal education research system, preventing overlap, redundancy, and duplication of research efforts.

Improve accountability and protect the taxpayers’ investment by requiring regular evaluations of research and education programs.

Maintain the autonomy of IES, the National Assessment Governing Board, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (also known as the Nation’s Report Card) to shield these entities from political influence and bias.

To learn more about the Strengthening Education through Research Act, click here.